Chapter Text
“Control your breathing. You’re running out of oxygen too fast.”
Maya takes a deep steadying breath, her heart rate calming down with each intake but she can’t stop the bead of sweat, forming at the crown of her hairline, from dripping down the side of her cheek.
“Watch out for...”
But she anticipates the door flying open before the sentence is even finished, a gush of fire blasting through it and she ducks, missing the impact just in time.
“Good job.” The voice in her head says.
Maya continues further into the building, acutely aware of her surroundings.
“Fire Department, call out.” She goes through the scripted protocol.
Through the smoke she clears all of the rooms and eventually makes it to the very last door because of course it would be, and inside she finds exactly what she is looking for. She sighs with relief, briefly letting herself bask in the small win, before sprinting into action taking quick strides into the room with renewed confidence.
The body sprawled out onto the floor is unmoving and face down. She bends down to check their pulse first thing and calls it in.
“Victim found. Unresponsive but alive. Extracting now. Have aid-car be ready upon exit.”
Maya picks up the victim underneath their arms, the weight heavier than she thought but she starts to drag them out until the door behind her seals shut and smoke quickly billows from underneath the small opening at the bottom and up the walls, filling the space quickly. She can see the glow of orange behind the door which means the fire will burn through the thin barrier any moment now.
“Fuck.” The inside of Maya’s helmet fogs up with her worried breath before she drops the body back down to the floor and looks around the room to see if there are any other possible exits but her only option is either through the fire or the small window across the room.
“Shit.”
She reaches for her radio, “Captain? I’m going to need the jumper. Southside, last window.”
“Copy.”
The flames claw themselves underneath the door, burning up the wooden surface as if it’s paper and licking up the floral wallpaper, “I’m going to need that ASAP.”
“Copy.”
Maya grabs the body back around their arms and pulls them across the opposite side of the room. She is dripping with sweat now but miraculously still has control over her breathing; a steady calculated breath in and then out, slowing her heart rate.
She inspects the window looking for any cracks or flaws but it was sealed shut and no latch anywhere in sight. She pulls her axe from its holster on her belt and ducks to the side before smashing the glass with the tool.
Maya realised her mistake too late. There was a blast, knocking her back into the wall followed by angry flames quickly rummaging through the small room. She has minutes, perhaps even seconds before this place is engulfed. Her breathing has sped up and her oxygen tank beeps, running out of clean air very quickly. She doesn’t even have time to reach for her radio before she grabs the body, hauling it over her shoulder with a strength she didn’t know she processed and slung her leg over the ledge of the window.
It was now or never. No time to second guess herself.
She jumped. The fall was short lived as she landed onto a soft pillowy cloud, sinking to the ground slowly as it deflated from the combined weight. She breathes a sigh of relief watching the flames burn through the window and up the side of the building before rolling off the inflatable mat.
“You good?” A hand reaches out to pull her up.
Maya rips off her mask and gulps down fresh air, nodding that she is fine. A water bottle is shoved in her hand while she doubles over to try and catch her breath. A close call.
Chief Ripley approached her with folded arms, “You see your mistake, Bishop?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You can only break a window when your team is already applying water pressure, which is called?”
“Horizontal ventilation, Sir.”
“You did well, you got your victim out regardless of being under pressure like that, so for that you pass this part of training. But by the skin of your ass.”
“Copy, Chief. Thank you.”
“Get cleaned up and take the next few days to brush up on the protocol. It’s tiny mistakes like this that we can’t afford to risk out in the field in real situations.”
“I understand, Chief. It won’t happen again.”
“You are good under pressure and strong for your size which are both excellent qualities to have as a firefighter. If you work on your critical skills you’ll make an excellent Lieutenant and even Captain one day”
“Thank you, Chief.”
Ripley retreats back to the congregation of other Chiefs leaving Maya to contemplate the exercise, chastising herself for making such a dumb mistake.
“The dummy looks a little rough.” Another academy member approaches her while drinking from her own water bottle and soot all over her face, having done the training just moments ago too. Maya had watched her go through the maze. She was good.
“Rough but alive, so to speak.” Maya tries to take that as a win at least.
“Andy Herrera.” She introduces herself.
“Maya Bishop.” Maya shakes her hand. The name sounded familiar but she couldn’t place it.
“Do you have a station yet?”
“No, I applied but haven’t heard anything back yet. You?”
“19.”
“Wow, I heard great things. I applied there too but I guess they won’t take more probies.”
“It’s a big station, they might.”
“I would love to work at a station like 19. Active and practically at the center of it all.”
“It’s a busy place for sure.”
“You’ve been on any big calls?”
“Not yet. Mostly paperwork and observing only but I grew up there, so I know the ins and outs of the place. I think I can practically run it better than my father.”
“Wait, your father is the station Captain?”
She nods, but Maya couldn't tell if she was proud or annoyed of that fact.
“So you are legacy?”
She lifts her shoulder, “Runs in the family, I guess.”
“You won’t happen to be able to put in a good word for me. You know women supporting women and all.” Maya jokes, knowing she is pushing her luck.
“I’ll see what I can do. Bishop, you said?”
They part ways after that and by the time Maya finishes cleaning up at the academy, a hot shower later she found herself bone tired just sitting in the locker room. She reaches for her phone, opening a notification of an email in her inbox. She freezes at seeing the name and the message that follows.
When Maya isn’t training to become a firefighter she spends her nights and sometimes off days as an escort. It is something she started doing in college to keep her head above water and now that she’s basically a VIP member at the company, she makes enough money to live comfortably and to pay off her college and training with no issues. She used a large chunk of her earnings to buy her now apartment, something she never thought would happen and which she is very proud of. It’s her own little space away from everything and everyone. If she has to be someone’s fake girlfriend for a time, she will gladly do so for that little bit of freedom.
Looking at the email again she registers the date and time for the emergency meeting scheduled by the company, which just so happens to be in half an hour. She doesn’t read the rest and she slings her gym bag over her shoulder and sprints out of the building onto the streets. She’ll have to haul herself all the way there. Running is faster than waiting for an uber anyway. It’s just a few blocks until she breathlessly makes it with a few minutes to spare.
“Cutting it close, Bishop.”
“You’re walking in at the same time as me, Hughes.”
Victoria is the only one Maya has confided her real name to and a little of what she is doing for a living but mostly they live separate lives from this place. Only ever seeing each other when something like this pops up, which is almost never. But they do run in the same circles and often get to talk while on the job. They after all have the same clients right through the bank, always high class and fancy.
“Yeah but I’m not the one that is all sweaty in my cutoff t-shirt and spanks. And you smell like smoke by the way.”
“Crap. I washed my hair, like twice.” But there was nothing she could do about that now. “Whatever. Do you know what this is about?”
“Aparently the Empress herself is here.”
“What? Seriously? How…why…why now?” Maya is now questioning her outfit and very aware of the smoke smell even though it might not be that bad, she is just very self conscious about everything all at once. So much for wanting to impress her employer.
“Don’t know. Guess that is why it’s a last minute thing.”
They are all ushered into a room. They know the other girls and women from just passing by and polite conversation but otherwise they were practically strangers to each other but it’s all friendly. They take their seats around the huge board room table and they’re offered water. Maya didn’t even know this room existed and wondered what it’s used for at other times because they didn’t conduct boardroom worthy type of business at this company, well not as far as she knew. For her she mostly works online, through an app and it’s rare to meet in person like this.
“I wonder why she would come here of all places. All the way from HQ.” Vic whispers next to Maya.
“New York is hell of a long way to travel for just a meeting.”
“Perhaps we’re all getting fired.”
“Don’t say that.”
“I heard they closed the Chicago branch, so it’s entirely possible.”
Maya was worried now. She relied on this income because the academy doesn’t pay anything and she wasn’t going into the service industry ever again.
The door opens and everyone turns to look as she enters. She walks like she is on a runway. Confident wide strides gliding across the room all in high heels and a power suit that was tailor made for her. She doesn’t make eye contact with anyone, not until she is standing at the head of the table.
“Good afternoon, ladies.”
Her Italian accent is melodic and sharp at the same time, it demands attention and she has it from every single person in the room. Maya herself sits, transfixed by the sheer beauty this woman possessed. It was an otherworldly kind of beauty, the kind that can’t be described with words really and the type that steals the breath from the very lungs of any onlooker.
Of course everyone, including Maya, knew what she looked like before today and had seen her picture on the company’s website but no digital imprint can do her justice. Somehow she transcends the concept far beyond anything Maya has ever seen.
“I’m Carina DeLuca. I want to thank you all for being here on such short notice. I know you have lives outside of this so I will make it quick.”
Maya was hanging on every word she said and it was merely a sentence.
“You’re drooling.” Vic elbows her in jest. Maya just rolls her eyes and once she looks to the front again, her eyes lock with the brunette. Her breath hitches at the penetrating stare but she is first to dismiss the connection and clears her throat to continue her speech.
“By now you have heard we had to close our branch in Chicago due to some unfortunate circumstances involving leaked information. It was for the safety and protection of everyone involved to close down. We don’t know how the system got hacked but the girls had their private information stolen and shared on social media. We of course have doubled our efforts to make sure that doesn’t happen again to anyone else, so be assured you are safe. We are doing the utmost to protect you all, that is our first priority.”
No one said a word.
“Furthermore, I’m also here on some good news. This branch has been performing above expectations and we want to compensate everyone for that. You’ll receive more information within the next few days regarding that and we would also like to extend our gratitude for your loyalty. The senior members here are some of the most requested and respected,” Carina looks directly at Maya when she says that, “we’ve ever had.”
Maya tries to look away but she is held in the vines of Carina’s stare.
“Lastly, I’ll be staying on at this branch for the time being. My office will be right next door so if anyone has any questions, please feel free to come to me with them. I’m happy to answer any queries you might have. This company always strives to make this the best place for our employees, for you. Thank you for your time.”
They are dismissed, left to mull over everything that was just said.
“Cassia? If I can have a word in my office, please. If you have time?”
Maya is surprised at the use of the pseudonym name but then again, it was policy to not share your private information. Hearing the name drip from her lips however actually gave Maya goosebumps while a shiver runs down her spine. She has never heard the name sound so sensual, not from anyone before.
Maya nods practically on autopilot, feeling her heart rate picking up to an irregular beat. She takes a deep breath, trying to control her breathing like she was taught at the academy but it was almost a moot point because once she steps into the office, her heart hammers against her ribcage faster than before.
Carina is sitting behind a large mahogany desk, already poised and comfortable in the setting, as Maya enters. She feels out of place almost immediately and pulls at her clothing that was oddly feeling like it was suffocating her.
“I apologise for my appearance, Mrs. DeLuca. I received the email too late and…”
“Miss, but you can just call me Carina.” She looks Maya up and down, taking in said appearance. Maya can’t tell what she’s thinking but she feels scrutinized regardless.
“Can I call you by your name or do you prefer Cassia?”
“Maya is fine.”
She nods curtly, “Please sit, Maya.”
Maya feels the impact of her casually using her real name deep down in her belly. A flutter that was so unexpected, Maya had to cross her legs as she sat down on the plush chair. It surpassed the way she used her fake name ten times over.
“You’ve been with the company for, going on, 6 years, no?”
“You have my file in front of you, I’m sure you can see my record.”
She looks up sharply not expecting that tone from the blonde.
“You’re 25?” She continues.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“A firefighter?”
“Training to be. I’m still in the academy.”
She nods, flipping through the pages with who knows what scribbled on them. She feels like she is being interviewed all over again.
“What’re your goals going forward with this company?”
Maya thinks it over, not having thought of anything beyond where she is at right now, “Just, keep doing what I’m doing I guess.”
“You’re still happy here?”
“Yes ma’am.”
She finally closes the file. Her index finger absentmindedly tapping the cover while they share a pregnant pause.
“I have a proposition for you.” She breaks the silence.
“Oh?” Maya was intrigued.
Carina sits back in her chair, folding her arms, “I’m making Seattle my home for a while, perhaps indefinitely if need be, and I have a few business deals lined up to get myself situated and acquainted with the place.”
“Okay?”
“I want to hire you to accompany me to those meetings and functions.”
“Me? Isn’t that against company policy?”
“It’s my company, so, no. I’ll of course compensate you accordingly. Whatever your fee is, I’ll match.”
“Why me?”
“You’re the most experienced. I need someone by my side who can handle high-end type of settings professionally and your reputation proceeds you. I’ve heard only good things and you come highly recommended and you are from here. You know the people and how they function.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“You have complete autonomy here, so please take your time to consider this. I know it’s perhaps unconventional but think of me as any other client.”
“But you’re not just any client, though. You’re my boss.”
“And in any other situation it wouldn’t have mattered, right? People date their boss all the time. If I went on the app right now and requested you, would you decline?”
Maya sits back in her chair, she would never be able to decline a woman such as Carina.
“You’ve mostly accepted male clients but your profile lists both men and women, why is that?”
“Men are easier. They just want a piece of ass next to them and they pay well without question.”
“And women?”
“Women get…attached.”
“You won’t have that problem with me.”
“No? You sure about that?”
“I want someone next to me that can captivate the male gaze while I close the deals and broaden my social circle that would benefit the business in the long run. People tend to gravitate towards people that are either married or not single. Men don’t usually like single women. It intimidates them.”
“So what you’re saying is you want….a piece of ass?”
“You referred to yourself as that, not me.”
Maya sized her up, perhaps she should see how far she can push because this woman couldn’t be this cold hearted or unbothered.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Other than using me as a prize pony, do you at least find me attractive? I don’t think this can work if you don’t.”
“I don’t see why that would matter.”
“People can tell when it’s fake, believe me. And given that I’m younger than you, no offence, they will question whether it’s all for show. I can do the fake girlfriend thing, no problem but if you don’t at least find me attractive, people will see right through the visage. They will think you paid for me to be there.”
“Do you find me attractive?” Carina deflects.
Maya smirks, never one to back away from a challenge. She gets up and rounds the table, coming to stand next to Carina. She bends down, bracing herself on the arm of the chair bringing her mouth mere inches from Carina’s ear, “I think you’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.” She purposefully dips her voice to the lowest register, her finger reaching out to tuck a strand of dark brown hair behind a perfectly shaped ear.
The gold hoop earrings hang delicately from Carina’s earlobes and meet the sharp edge of her jaw that is chiselled at an even sharper angle and sloping down to a slight jutting chin. Maya is enthralled by the beauty mark strategically placed adjacent to her mouth and completely spellbound by her smell. She smells like the ocean and a field of lavender combined, it’s an intoxicating luxurious scent that could never be bottled or replicated by any perfume.
Carina licks her lips under the scrutiny of Maya’s unwavering stare before angling her face in her direction. Her eyes land on Maya’s lips first then flick up to her eyes where steel blue greets her with a cocky glint.
“Your turn.” Maya whispers.
“I don’t think it matters.”
“It matters to me.”
“Do you ask this of all your clients? It’s strictly a business arrangement after all.”
“Perhaps but we still need to sell it and like I said, you’re not just any client. You’re the Carina DeLuca and you’re asking for the full girlfriend package.”
“Then maybe you’re not as good as everyone says if you can’t even be professional.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I am the embodiment of professional. I’m your best employee, remember?”
“Then it shouldn’t be a problem for you to treat me like any of your other clients.”
“I’ll tell you what, why don’t you indulge me, for the hell of it.”
“I don’t see the need to do that. I would be paying you, well at that if I may add.”
“What if I beg? If I get on my knees right now, bat my baby blues and plead for you? Would you like that?”
Maya sees the moment the image crosses Carina’s mind, she sees the moment she is picturing that very image of her sinking down to her knees, wedging herself between those long outstretched legs while she looks up, begs for her attention, pleads for her approval. She swallows down audibly and Maya catches the movement and watches it slip down the contour of her neck. She almost reaches out, wanting to trace the length it travels but Maya grips the chair instead, their eye contact unwavering during the few seconds that passes between them.
“Nevermind, I got my answer.” Maya backs away suddenly, giving them both room to breathe normally.
“What? I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to. Your body language gave you away.” Maya walks around the table and grabs her gym bag from the floor and saunters to the door, each step calculated, purposeful. Just before she opens it, she turns around, “I’ll do it, under one condition.”
“What’s the condition?”
“If sex is going to be on the table then it has to be monogamous, because I don’t dip my toes in mixed salad if you know what I mean.”
“What makes you think I want to sleep with you?”
“Because you wouldn’t be able to resist my charm.”
Carina huffs at the cockiness, “Is that your only condition?”
“No, I wasn’t finished. Sex is on the table but under no circumstances can you get attached or fall in love with me. It’s business and pleasure but no feelings.”
“That's two conditions and also a bold statement coming from someone who doesn’t even know if I’m attracted to them.”
“Attraction is no question, sweetheart. You’re probably soaking wet right now as we speak. I’m just saying I don’t do the lovey dovey thing.”
“I’m not looking for the lovey dovey thing and there will be no sleeping together either.”
“That’s debatable but glad to see we’re on the same page, sort of.”
“Nothing to debate, it’s strictly a business arrangement.”
Maya smirks gripping the door handle, “If you say so. See you soon, Miss DeLuca.” She leaves with a wink and extra sway in her walk. Where she got the audacity to speak to her boss like that will forever baffle her but Maya sure as fuck won’t ever forget it.